This Roasted Sweet Potato Salad is colorful and packed with goodness! The sweet potatoes are roasted until crispy, making each bite deliciously satisfying.
Add some crunchy nuts and fresh greens for a fun mix of flavors and textures. Honestly, I can eat this salad as my main dish—it’s healthy and feels like a treat! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the salad! You can use orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for sweetness or purple sweet potatoes for a unique flavor. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, butternut squash works well too.
Red Onion: The crunch and sharpness of red onion adds great flavor. If you want a milder taste, opt for green onions or shallots instead.
Dried Cranberries: They provide a nice pop of sweetness. If cranberries aren’t available, try raisins or even chopped apples for a fresh twist!
Olive Oil: This is key for roasting. If you want a different flavor, avocado oil or melted coconut oil is a good alternative.
How Do I Roast Sweet Potatoes Perfectly?
Roasting sweet potatoes brings out their natural sweetness and creates a delightful texture. Here’s how to get them just right:
- Start by cutting the sweet potatoes into even 1-inch cubes. This ensures they cook uniformly.
- Coat them with olive oil and seasonings—don’t hold back on the oil or seasonings. It helps with flavor and browning.
- Spread them out on a baking sheet; give them space! Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting.
- Check halfway through; tossing them helps promote even cooking and browning.
- Let them cool slightly after roasting before mixing them into your salad for the best texture.
Roasted Sweet Potato Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Vegetable Base:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium red onion, chopped into small pieces
Mix-ins:
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Spices:
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Roasted Sweet Potato Salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to roast, making a total of about 40 minutes. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is important to ensure that your sweet potatoes get perfectly roasted.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Make sure they are well coated with oil and spices. Next, spread them evenly on a baking sheet to allow for even roasting.
3. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the sweet potatoes for about 25-30 minutes. Make sure to toss them halfway through cooking so they brown nicely. Once they are tender and slightly browned, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
4. Make the Dressing:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and minced garlic in a small bowl. This dressing will bring all the flavors together!
5. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes, chopped red onion, and dried cranberries. Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated.
6. Add the Finishing Touches:
Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the salad for a pop of color and freshness. Mix lightly to combine. Feel free to taste and adjust any seasoning if needed!
7. Serve and Enjoy!
This salad can be served warm or at room temperature. It’s a perfect side dish or a light main course. Enjoy your delicious and healthy Roasted Sweet Potato Salad!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Salad?
Absolutely! You can include other roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for added flavor and color. Just ensure that the cooking times are similar so everything roasts evenly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the microwave or serve cold—it’s delicious either way!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes! This salad is already mostly vegan-friendly by using maple syrup instead of honey. Just ensure your balsamic vinegar doesn’t contain any non-vegan additives, and you’re all set!
What Can I Add for Extra Protein?
If you want to boost the protein in this salad, consider adding some cooked chickpeas, quinoa, or diced grilled chicken. This makes it even more filling and nutritious!
